Mike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

April 17, 2018Mike Holmes

My dad taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time around. I always recommend hiring a pro for big jobs, but it's also important to have some tools at home to tackle smaller maintenance jobs. Don’t overwhelm yourself with tools you may never use or that are unsafe for you to use - be practical and stick to the basics! I love multi-purpose tools that come with added functionality. The less I have to carry around, the better.

Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

April 17, 2018 Mike Holmes

My dad taught me that if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time around. I always recommend hiring a pro for big jobs, but it's also important to have some tools at home to tackle smaller maintenance jobs. Don’t overwhelm yourself with tools you may never use or that are unsafe for you to use - be practical and stick to the basics! I love multi-purpose tools that come with added functionality. The less I have to carry around, the better.

1. A Screwdriver

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1. A Screwdriver

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

Rather than owning multiple screwdrivers, buy an all-in-one multi-bit screwdriver which comes with storage for various bits. Or choose one where the bits extend out of the handle at the touch of a button, which prevents you from dropping or losing them. My screwdriver has an LED light and can be adjusted to 60 degrees, making it easy to work with in dark corners. Look for an ergonomically designed screwdriver for maximum comfort over time.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

1. A Screwdriver

PHOTO 1 of 10

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Rather than owning multiple screwdrivers, buy an all-in-one multi-bit screwdriver which comes with storage for various bits. Or choose one where the bits extend out of the handle at the touch of a button, which prevents you from dropping or losing them. My screwdriver has an LED light and can be adjusted to 60 degrees, making it easy to work with in dark corners. Look for an ergonomically designed screwdriver for maximum comfort over time.

Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

2. A Hammer

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2. A Hammer

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

A hammer is an essential part of every toolbox. They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you'll need to find one that’s right for you. Select one that you’re comfortable swinging and that’s easy to maneuver. You’ll want one that is light but powerful, with the weight properly balanced. Your hammer should also have a non-slip, ergonomic handle.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

2. A Hammer

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A hammer is an essential part of every toolbox. They come in all different shapes and sizes, so you'll need to find one that’s right for you. Select one that you’re comfortable swinging and that’s easy to maneuver. You’ll want one that is light but powerful, with the weight properly balanced. Your hammer should also have a non-slip, ergonomic handle.

Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

3. A Drill

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3. A Drill

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Most homeowners can get away with not having a drill for a while, but the time will come when you will need one. A plug-in drill is the cheaper option, while the cordless drill offers convenience, but you’ll want to make sure it’s always charged. By changing the various attachments, a drill can be used to make different sized holes, sand, grind metal, remove rust, and can be used to mix paint, grout and mortar. It’s a great multi-tool for your toolbox.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

3. A Drill

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Most homeowners can get away with not having a drill for a while, but the time will come when you will need one. A plug-in drill is the cheaper option, while the cordless drill offers convenience, but you’ll want to make sure it’s always charged. By changing the various attachments, a drill can be used to make different sized holes, sand, grind metal, remove rust, and can be used to mix paint, grout and mortar. It’s a great multi-tool for your toolbox.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

4. A Utility Knife

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4. A Utility Knife

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

A utility knife comes with a small retractable blade and can be used for indoor and outdoor projects. As a multi-purpose cutting tool, it can be used to cut tape, cardboard, strapping, or to trim plastic or wood materials. Make sure to review some safety tips before using yours.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

4. A Utility Knife

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A utility knife comes with a small retractable blade and can be used for indoor and outdoor projects. As a multi-purpose cutting tool, it can be used to cut tape, cardboard, strapping, or to trim plastic or wood materials. Make sure to review some safety tips before using yours.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

5. A Tape Measure

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5. A Tape Measure

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Photo Credit: Pexels

You’ll need a tape measure for all kinds of jobs, big or small. You’ll use it to centre pictures when hanging, or to measure the length and width of your windows for coverings. And whatever you do, don’t buy furniture or appliances until you’ve measured that they’ll fit in the appropriate space – or even fit through your door. I recommend a tape measure that is at least 16 feet long (approx. five metres) and ¾ of an inch wide (approx. two centimetres). That width will make it strong to support itself when it’s extended. It’s also important for your tape measure to be lightweight.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

5. A Tape Measure

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You’ll need a tape measure for all kinds of jobs, big or small. You’ll use it to centre pictures when hanging, or to measure the length and width of your windows for coverings. And whatever you do, don’t buy furniture or appliances until you’ve measured that they’ll fit in the appropriate space – or even fit through your door. I recommend a tape measure that is at least 16 feet long (approx. five metres) and ¾ of an inch wide (approx. two centimetres). That width will make it strong to support itself when it’s extended. It’s also important for your tape measure to be lightweight.

Photo Credit: Pexels

6. A Stud Finder

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6. A Stud Finder

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

A stud finder helps you locate the wood framing behind your drywall. This is good to know if you’re hanging something heavy like a TV or a shelf that will support heavy weight on it; you can make sure it’s secure by screwing it into the wood framing. It also helps to know where the framing is located if you’re sawing into your drywall. You don’t want to accidentally cut into your wood framing!

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

6. A Stud Finder

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A stud finder helps you locate the wood framing behind your drywall. This is good to know if you’re hanging something heavy like a TV or a shelf that will support heavy weight on it; you can make sure it’s secure by screwing it into the wood framing. It also helps to know where the framing is located if you’re sawing into your drywall. You don’t want to accidentally cut into your wood framing!

Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

7. A Level

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7. A Level

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Photo Credit: Wurth Canada

Have you ever tried to hang a picture only to have it hang crooked? It can bother you every time you look at it. This is where having a level in your toolbox comes in handy. Most jobs around your house will require a level, like putting up shelves or hanging a frame. I recommend a level that’s at least three feet long (approx. one metre). A metal level is more durable, or for convenience, go for a hands-free laser level.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

7. A Level

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Have you ever tried to hang a picture only to have it hang crooked? It can bother you every time you look at it. This is where having a level in your toolbox comes in handy. Most jobs around your house will require a level, like putting up shelves or hanging a frame. I recommend a level that’s at least three feet long (approx. one metre). A metal level is more durable, or for convenience, go for a hands-free laser level.

Photo Credit: Wurth Canada

8. An Adjustable Wrench

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8. An Adjustable Wrench

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

Adjustable wrenches have one fixed jaw and one movable jaw that can be adjusted to tighten around a nut or bolt head. I always recommend calling a pro for plumbing issues, but if it’s a simple job like tightening a faucet or showerhead, then it’s good to have an adjustable wrench on-hand. They’re also useful for tightening bolts on bikes.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

8. An Adjustable Wrench

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Adjustable wrenches have one fixed jaw and one movable jaw that can be adjusted to tighten around a nut or bolt head. I always recommend calling a pro for plumbing issues, but if it’s a simple job like tightening a faucet or showerhead, then it’s good to have an adjustable wrench on-hand. They’re also useful for tightening bolts on bikes.

Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

9. Pliers

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9. Pliers

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

There are many different kinds of pliers for various purposes. The most common are combination pliers and slip-joint pliers. The combination pliers allow you to cut, bend, twist, grip, and strip wire. You might use combination pliers to cut and grip wire when hanging a picture frame or mirror. Slip-joint pliers are used for gripping and bending hardware. They’re ideal for simple, easy duty jobs. You can use them to grip a nail or to hold a bolt steady when you’re trying to loosen a screw with a screwdriver. I actually have an angled pair of pliers, which is very comfortable to hold in tight spots.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

9. Pliers

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There are many different kinds of pliers for various purposes. The most common are combination pliers and slip-joint pliers. The combination pliers allow you to cut, bend, twist, grip, and strip wire. You might use combination pliers to cut and grip wire when hanging a picture frame or mirror. Slip-joint pliers are used for gripping and bending hardware. They’re ideal for simple, easy duty jobs. You can use them to grip a nail or to hold a bolt steady when you’re trying to loosen a screw with a screwdriver. I actually have an angled pair of pliers, which is very comfortable to hold in tight spots.

Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

10. Safety Glasses

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10. Safety Glasses

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Photo Credit: The Holmes Group

Having some key tools handy is important, but it is also important that you use them safely. With any DIY project, safety is a must. You may think a small job isn’t dangerous, but trust me, no job is safe without the right protection. Always keep a pair of safety glasses in your toolbox. You may not need them for all DIY jobs, but the time will come when you do, and you want to make sure you have them on-hand. Remember, doing it right also means doing it safe.

Mike HolmesMike Holmes Reveals 10 Tools Everyone Should Have in Their Toolbox

10. Safety Glasses

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READ LESS -

Having some key tools handy is important, but it is also important that you use them safely. With any DIY project, safety is a must. You may think a small job isn’t dangerous, but trust me, no job is safe without the right protection. Always keep a pair of safety glasses in your toolbox. You may not need them for all DIY jobs, but the time will come when you do, and you want to make sure you have them on-hand. Remember, doing it right also means doing it safe.